Although there are few fully vegetarian places in Istanbul, most of the restaurants have great vegetarian options on their menu. Listed below are some of the healthiest and nicest places in town, including ones where you can find regional flavours.
Zencefil, Taksim
Zencefil is a lovely restaurant with its colourful atmosphere, completed with exposed brick walls and leafy plants. It is 100% vegetarian except only one meat dish, and the menu changes daily. Maybe because it is one of Istanbul’s only vegetarian options, it can be a bit overpriced. Still, if you are craving some classic vegetarian cuisine you won’t regret it.
Address: Kurabiye Sokak 8-10 (Beyoglu)
Phone: +90-212-2438234
Kantin, Nişantaşı and Bebek
If you’d like to explore the “green side” of Turkish cuisine, Kantin is where you can find seasonal food with an elegant presentation. Their daily changing menu has both meat and vegetable dishes and the prices are moderate for these upscale districts. ‘Modern’ and ‘traditional’ come together in this chic restaurant serving homemade-with-a-twist Turkish food.
Address: Akkavak Sokağı 30, 34365 Nişantaşı
Phone: +90 212 219 31 14
Website here.
Fıccın, Taksim
Not many of us are familiar with Circassian cuisine but when we do, it definitely does not end there. With its delicious olive oil dishes Fıccın will become the best candidate for your favourite vegan restaurant in Istanbul.
Address: Istiklal Caddesi, Kallavi Sokak, No: 13/1 - 7/1, Beyoglu
Phone: +90 212 243 83 53 or +90 212 293 37 86
Website here.
Çiya Sofrası, Kadıköy
If you are looking for a good place to have vegetarian food in Asian side, Çiya Kebab is one that comes to mind first. The word “kebab” in its name shouldn’t mislead you, this place is also known for its vegetarian lahmacun and great salad bar other than kebabs!
Address: Guneslibahce Sokak 43
Phone: +90 216 336 30 - 13
Website here.
Klemuri, Taksim
If I had to define Klemuri with only one adjective, it would be just “cozy.” It definitely deserves a stop during day to try out regional Turkish dishes, mainly from the Black Sea. The vegetarian dishes are often meze-like, so you can order just a few for a light meal.
Address: Buyuk Parmakkapi Sokak, Unit 2, Beyoglu
Phone: +90 212 292 32 72
Website here.
Zeytin Ağacı Cafe, Nişantaşı
Zeytin Ağacı is also one of those who brings the warmness of Aegean and Mediterranean regions. All its menu consists of dishes made from organic ingredients and olive oil from Ayvalık, an Aegean district famous for olive oil. You can also listen jazz and latin music while enjoying your meal.
Address: Valikonağı Caddesi Polat İş Hanı 52/29 Nişantası 80200
Phone: +90 212 291 28 42
Website here.
Namlı Gurme, Karaköy
Spoiler alert: You are going to lose yourself in this place. Different kinds of cheese, pickles, olives, honey, jam... You can find anything you may want for a great Turkish breakfast here. Plus, this beautiful place along with the Bosphorus serves delicious vegan food made by what they sell.
Adress: Rihtim Caddesi, Katotopark Altı 1/1, Karakoy
Phone: +90 212 293 68 80 - 83
Website here.
Rumist, Sultanahmet
This cafe is known for its delicious food and friendly staff. What more can a customer ask for? Although the options for veggies are limited, the ones it has – its vegetarian kebab and mezes – may be the best in the town. It also sells carpets, just in case you are interested.
Address: Akbiyik Caddesi, Sultanahmet
Phone: +90 212 458 66 41
Renkli Limon, Beşiktaş
Sometimes, there’s nothing like a homemade dish. Renkli Limon, a cheap restaurant with nice decorations offers traditional Turkish dishes made with olive oil. You should definitely try its mücver, fritters made from zucchini.
Address: Gürsel Mh. Alaybey Sk No:20, 34353 Beşiktaş
Phone: +90 212 258 80 85
Dubb Indian, Sultanahmet
Indian cuisine may be the perfect alternative for those who wants to try something different in Istanbul. Dubb Indian, with its exotic decoration and view of Hagia Sophia, offers you a fulfilling Indian experience thanks especially to its vegetarian curry options. Reservations needed.
Address: Alemdar Mahallesi. İncili Çavuş Sokak 10 Sultanahmet
Phone: +90 212 513 73 08
Website here.
Tonton Efendi, Kadıköy
You sure have heard of falafel, meatballs made with chickpeas. This simple food of the Middle East is the highlight of this small Jordanian restaurant in Kadıköy. The proprietor is also an expert in traditional Jordan cuisine, especially hummus and special veggie wraps.
Address: 50B Karakolhane Cad, Yeldegirmeni, Kadikoy
Phone: +90 216 345 88 16
